I read a book written by a professional gambler. According to him, a major milestone in his career was the day he was kicked out from a casino due to over-winning.
At first he specialized in Black Jack. Later on, he studied five different games. At one time in his career, his winning rate reached 90%. At the time, gambling really was like a job. He went to casino to make money (!).
The book was not about details of the games he gambled. If the book was a how-to book, such details would have been necessary. But the book was an essay; was more about professionalism and mentality that supported his winning.
At an expense of gambling details that might have been of interest to some by themselves, he wrote how he professionally dealt with gambling.
As such, the content became more universal than gambling.
In a chapter, he wrote about "thinking in level 1, 2, and 3".
Level 1 thinking is all about himself and his hand. His sight is limited to his own viewpoint. In other words, it is a beginner's level.
Level 2 thinking begins when he recognizes opponent(s)/others. He begins to think the hands of opponents, and try to outdo them.
Level 3 thinking considers other people's viewpoint and mind how he looks from outside. This is the level professional gamblers operate. A certain selflessness enables him to view the flow of the game. It is an advanced level.
These levels are applicable to dancing.
Level 1: just moving your body and having fun. Who cares how it looks. [beginner]
Level 2: you recognize your partner and try to work with the partner. [intermediate]
Level 3: It is a stage dance. How they see you is more important than how you feel. [advanced]
Your level of thinking defines how you play.
In which level you operate is critical to the outcome. It is not only in gambling or dancing.
I read through, like 20 books recently. The gambler's book was an easy read, but fun.
